The Circuit of the Americas in Austin represents the latest effort to establish the sport as a major interest in the country, after an eight-year stint at the legendary 'brickyard' Indianapolis speedway between 2000 and 2007 ultimately fell flat.

Significant damage was done to the sport's brand by the 2005 race at Indy, where safety concerns about Michelin tyres meant only six cars raced and fans booed, leaving the track in droves after the start.

Carlos Reutemann in the Ferrari is followed by Niki Lauda in the Brabham at the 1978 'US Grand Prix West' at Long Beach, CaliforniaCredit:
Tony Duffy/Getty

Races have previously been held on the streets of Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Long Beach, as well as the Watkins Glen circuit in upstate New York. US involvement in the F1 calendar peaked with three Grands Prix in the country in the 1982 season.